The political heart of America is your gateway to a memorable encounter with the Land of the Free and how it came to be so. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the museums, memorials and monuments of Washington, D.C. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a dinner to kick-start your journey.

This morning, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture and houses over 40,000 fascinating artefacts. Afterwards, tread in the footsteps of America’s first president by visiting Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington. Step back into the 18th century, strolling the estate’s lush gardens, grounds, and fascinating museum galleries before returning back to your hotel for a free evening.

Roam the oak-lined avenues and see the noble tributes to America’s famous sons and daughters as you explore the nation’s proud heritage today. View the National Mall, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. Reflect on the darkest days in the nation’s history at the sombre memorials to World War II and the Vietnam War. Delve into history at the American Revolution Museum, surrounded by period artefacts, and experience first-hand the dramatic “Siege of Yorktown,” with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects. Your tour continues on to Williamsburg, founded in 1638 as Middle Plantation, and the former capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This morning, we venture to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, where we’ll gain insights into the trials that marked the lives of early 17th century colonists. Fast forward a few centuries and spend the rest of the day in Colonial Williamsburg, once Britain’s largest colony in the New World. Chat with blacksmiths and soldiers, and perhaps even engage in some politicking with a costumed Federalist in the town square. Partake in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet Sylvia Tabb-Lee who will bring America’s slavery history into the light with storytelling, visual presentations, and song and dance.

Visit St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia—the very spot where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Patrick Henry’s fiery “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. Continue to Charlottesville, where you’ll enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many local restaurants in town. Then, visit Monticello, the neoclassical Italian estate where Jefferson once sought a quieter existence.

Journey through the rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park en route to Gettysburg where you’ll delve into the devastation of a four-year civil war pitting North against South. Explore the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and learn about the National Park’s efforts to preserve the battlefield. This evening, indulge in a festive dinner at the “most haunted” 19th-century Dobbin House.

Cast your mind back to the pivotal yet tragic day on which Pickett led his charge at Gettysburg. Join a Local Specialist who will bring to life the events at Gettysburg that turned the tide of the Civil War. Just four months later, the battlefield served as the backdrop for Abraham Lincoln’s call for “a new birth of freedom” in his famed Gettysburg Address. Later, you will enjoy a special experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, who own a working 25-acre produce farm just outside Lancaster. The Lapp family will introduce our guests to a few Amish traditions and host them for a family-style meal with recipes passed down through generations and ingredients sourced directly from their farm. You’ll journey to the City of Brotherly Love and the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next. Stay in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, within walking distance of dozens of landmark buildings. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow American history enthusiasts for a dinner.

Gain insights into the history of the U.S. Constitution and the effect it has had around the world during this morning’s tour through Philadelphia. We’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see its famous cracked bell whose inscription has inspired so many to “proclaim liberty”. The final stop on your journey is Washington, D.C., where you’ll be transferred to either Dulles International Airport or Ronald Reagan National Airport (the journey between the two airports takes approximately 60 minutes). If you are extending your stay, you’ll be transferred to the Washington Marriott Georgetown.